Permanently Lonely
Willie Nelson Lyrics


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Don't be concerned it's time I learned
That those who play with fire get burned
But I'll be alright in a little while
But you'll be permanently lonely
Don't be too quick to pity me
Don't salve my heart with sympathy
'Cause I'll be alright in a little while
But you'll be permanently lonely
The world looks on with wonder
And pity at your kind
'Cause it knows that the future
Is not very pretty for your kind for your kind
Will always be runnin' and wonderin'
What's happened to hearts that you've broken
And left all alone
But we'll be alright in a little while




But you'll be permanently lonely
Runnin' lonely

Overall Meaning

In Willie Nelson's classic country song "Permanently Lonely," the singer reveals that he has been burned by playing with fire, but he will be alright in a little while. He warns the listener not to pity him or salve his heart with sympathy because it won't be needed. The heartbreaker in the song, on the other hand, will be permanently lonely, and the world will look on with pity and wonder at their kind. The future, according to the lyrics, isn't very pretty for those who break hearts and leave others alone. They will always be running and wondering what happened to the hearts they've broken, while the singer will be alright in a little while.


The song's lyrics tell a familiar story of heartbreak and resilience, and they have been covered by several artists over the years. "Permanently Lonely" is an honest appraisal of the cost of playing with people's emotions, and it's a reminder that actions have consequences. The song's lilting melody and Nelson's emotive vocal delivery are mellow enough to soften the blow of these hard truths. The song's message is that, while we might not always be in control of our feelings, we are responsible for the way we treat others.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't be concerned it's time I learned
I do not need your concern, as it is time for me to learn on my own.


That those who play with fire get burned
People who take risks are often met with negative consequences.


But I'll be alright in a little while
I will eventually recover from my current situation.


But you'll be permanently lonely
You, however, will constantly feel lonely and isolated.


Don't be too quick to pity me
Do not feel bad for me too soon.


Don't salve my heart with sympathy
Do not try to soothe my feelings with false kindness.


'Cause I'll be alright in a little while
I will eventually recover from my current situation.


But you'll be permanently lonely
You, however, will constantly feel lonely and isolated.


The world looks on with wonder
The rest of society watches with amazement.


And pity at your kind
And pities people like you.


'Cause it knows that the future
It understands that in the future.


Is not very pretty for your kind for your kind
Your future is not looking very promising.


Will always be runnin' and wonderin'
You will always be wandering and wondering.


What's happened to hearts that you've broken
You will constantly wonder what happened to the hearts you have hurt.


And left all alone
And the people you have hurt will be isolated and alone.


But we'll be alright in a little while
But eventually, those who have been hurt will recover.


But you'll be permanently lonely
However, you will still feel lonely and isolated.


Runnin' lonely
You will be wandering alone.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIE NELSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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